Jamaica, an island located in the Caribbean Sea, is a tropical paradise. Part of the Netherlands Antilles, it is situated in a tropical climate, with hot and humid weather along the coastline. Among the activities available to travelers is a swim-with-the-dolphins program along the coast, where participants have the opportunity to be in the water with the dolphins, interacting directly with the gentle animals in their natural habitat.
Step 1Choose a location. Jamaica offers two major locations to swim with dolphins: Half Moon resort in Montego Bay and Dolphin Cove in Ocho Rios (see Resources below). The same family owns both facilities. The family plans to add a third facility near Lucea in the near future. Montego Bay is located in the northwestern part of Jamaica, and Ocho Rios is located along the northeastern coast.
Step 2Choose a program. Both Dolphin Cove and Half Moon Resort offer a variety of programs for visitors to Jamaica. At both Dolphin Cove and Half Moon Bay, visitors can choose a program that allows them to touch dolphins in shallow water, or can choose to swim with one or multiple dolphins. For a more in-depth dolphin encounter, travelers can choose the "Sea Keeper For a Day" program during which they spend an entire day feeding and interacting with the dolphins and other sea creatures. Half Moon Bay also offers deep water and private swims with dolphins and a trainer.
Step 3Read program specifications. At Dolphin Cove and Half Moon Bay, dolphin interaction differs from program to program. Be sure to read the details carefully, because some programs offer the opportunity to play with dolphins, but do not allow participants to swim with dolphins.
Step 4Understand requirements. In order to swim with dolphins in Jamaica, participants must be able to swim and should be prepared to spend at least 30 minutes in the water. Life jackets are provided. Children must be at least 10 years old and at least 4 feet tall. Children under 10 years old must be accompanied by a paying adult.
Step 5Be prepared to pay. Swimming with dolphins in Jamaica can be an expensive activity. On the lower end, visitors can pay approximately $90 to touch the dolphins, $150 to play with dolphins in deeper water and about $250 to swim with dolphins. The full-day program can cost participants approximately $900 or more.
Resources: Half Moon Dolphin Lagoon
By: Erin Smith
Erin Smith is a professional writer and information designer based in the Midwestern United States. She has traveled extensively throughout Europe, Asia, Central America and the United States, and is always on the lookout for cheap flights and the next great adventure.Read Next 5 Articles
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